Murder at Sunrise Lake

“Damn it, Stella, the attacker had to be close by. He could have gone after you.”

“I know, Griffen. I did have weapons on me. I was afraid he might kill Sonny. I had to go. Believe me, I made certain you were on your way.”

He didn’t reply, but he drove fast and got them to the clinic in record time.

Dr. Amelia Sanderson had bought the clinic from old Fiddleson, who had retired nearly two years earlier. The town had tried to entice several veterinarians to come, but they were remote, and those with families had decided against it and those without felt they didn’t have much of a chance finding a partner.

Amelia had wanted the practice, but being fairly new out of school and her internships, she was without the necessary funds, so a couple of the locals had put up the money, Stella being one of them. No one was concerned about losing their money. Nearly everyone in town had pets, and the farmers and ranchers had livestock. Hunters had dogs. They desperately needed a vet, and Amelia was a hard worker. Vincent Martinez, her technician, was grateful to have his job back, and she employed two other full-time workers as well as a part-time one. That was good for the town.

Amelia never turned anyone away no matter the hour of the emergency. She took one look at Bailey and she, Vincent and an employee she’d called in, John McAllister, rushed the dog into the operating room.

For Stella, it was the longest night of her life. She sat waiting, feeling hollow and empty. Sam was already there, waiting for her. He looked grim when he saw Bailey, exchanging looks with Griffen and then Amelia. Stella could see that they weren’t holding out much hope. Sam put his arm around her and then took her to the one comfortable couch the office had.

“He was so little when I got him from the rescue,” she whispered.

“He’s strong,” Sam said.

Zahra arrived about an hour later, bringing coffee and blankets. She tucked a blanket around Stella and handed Sam and Stella coffee before taking the chair beside the couch. She didn’t ask questions but sat quietly, reading her tablet.

Harlow and Shabina came next, bringing desserts from Shabina’s café. They had them on a platter they put on the little coffee table where the magazines were, along with a large carafe of coffee. Both took chairs by the windows, keeping vigil with Stella and Sam.

Vienna and Raine arrived fifteen minutes after Harlow and Shabina, taking the last two chairs next to the doors, murmuring their love to Stella and looking to Sam for some kind of encouragement. He couldn’t really give them any, so they followed Zahra’s example and just stayed silent, reading and waiting.

Denver and Bruce came last, two hours later, filling the waiting room to capacity. They had to bring in chairs from their vehicles, using the actual “office” part, where the receptionist met with the clients. It was the only part of the waiting room open to them.

No one left in spite of the fact that Bailey’s operation took most of the night. Amelia came out to talk with Stella around four in the morning, looking exhausted. She looked around the waiting room and shook her head.

“Bailey’s alive, Stella. He’s very strong and a fighter. That’s what we have going for us. That and, shockingly, the knife missed most vital organs. He lost so much blood, though. If you hadn’t gotten him here as fast as you did, he wouldn’t have made it. It was good thinking, tying your shirt so tight around him. That saved his life. He’ll need to stay. There’s one wound I don’t like the look of. He’s not entirely out of the woods yet. I’ll stay with him tonight around the clock. If I need a break, I’ll have Vincent stay. He’s volunteered, anyway.”

“I can stay if you tell me what to watch for,” Stella volunteered.

“No, hon, you go on home. Let me do this. I’ll stay in touch and you can call me anytime to ask questions,” Amelia assured. “Do you know who did this, or why?”

Stella shook her head. “I have no idea. None. It makes no sense.”

“He’s a beautiful animal. I’ll watch over him for you. You all need to go on home.”

Stella and Sam stood, knowing that if they didn’t, everyone would stay. The food and drink were mostly gone, but they indicated to the vet that she was welcome to have something if she wanted it. Stella was just grateful Bailey was still alive. She looked around the room at all her friends, friends who were like family to her. When she tried to thank them, she choked up.

Denver dropped a kiss on top of her head, held the door open for the others to file out and then said simply, “It’s Bailey, Stella.”